Blog 2/26/24

Equitas Health Announces New Chief Executive Officer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Monday, Feb. 26, 2024) – Equitas Health, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-serving healthcare organizations, has announced that it will welcome David Ernesto Munar as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Munar joins Equitas Health on April 1, 2024, following an extensive search for a CEO with the experience and vision needed to guide the organization’s next chapter.

Munar has worked for more than 30 years in the healthcare sector, including 10 years of dedicated leadership as the CEO of the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ+ health center, Howard Brown Health. Munar led Howard Brown in expanding access to comprehensive healthcare services for more than 38,000 patients at 10 locations across Chicago. Prior to Howard Brown, he served for two decades in senior roles, including CEO, at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. With his extensive background in health policy, advocacy, and community engagement, Munar is well-positioned to guide Equitas Health in its mission to provide inclusive and affirming healthcare to all.

“Equitas Health carries a 40-year legacy of serving and advocating for the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, people living with and affected by HIV, and anyone left out or kept out of traditional healthcare systems,” said Kaarina Ornelas, chair of the Equitas Health Board of Trustees. “David is a passionate leader who will help strengthen and grow the services we provide to preserve that legacy. We are confident that David’s unique experiences and perspectives will help us enhance our standard of care and engagement on the issues that impact access to care for the communities we serve. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to Equitas Health.”

“I am honored for this chance to lead Equitas Health and work alongside its talented team and dedicated community partners,” Munar said. “This organization fills a crucial role in the healthcare landscape. I look forward to exploring opportunities that will increase access to care for the communities we serve. Equitas Health will continue to champion their interests as we galvanize support for more compassionate and culturally competent healthcare across Ohio.”

ABOUT EQUITAS HEALTH

Established in 1984, Equitas Health is a regional nonprofit community healthcare system. A federally-designated Community Health Center, it is one of the largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS serving healthcare organizations in the United States. With 22 offices in 13 cities, Equitas Health serves tens of thousands of patients in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year through patient-centered, integrated, and cutting edge services, including primary and specialized medical care, pharmacy, dentistry, mental health and recovery, HIV/STI treatment and prevention, PrEP/PEP, Ryan White/HIV case management, care navigation, advocacy, and other community health initiatives. The Equitas Health Pharmacy is an integral and essential part of the health center’s comprehensive care and business models, reinvesting 100% of profits back into the organization’s programs and services. Equitas Health operates pharmacies serving patients in Ohio and Texas. For more information, visit equitashealth.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.